Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo wants regular game time and a chance to make England’s World Cup squad. He is likely to push for a January move. Meanwhile, Manchester United and Manchester City plan to fight for rising talents Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, and Elliot Anderson next summer. Both clubs aim to strengthen their midfield.
The Telegraph reports that Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton are top targets. They could draw strong transfer interest when the season finishes. Both Manchester clubs see the defensive midfield role as a top priority and want to sign the best young talent.
The paper explains: “Manchester United are ready to lead the way next summer in the race for No. 6 midfielders. United made enquiries over Brighton’s Carlos Baleba last month and have to fill the defensive-midfielder slot. The slot has been highlighted since Erik ten Hag’s reign when he failed to land Frenkie de Jong.”
“Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, 22, has broken into the England team and played in the 5-0 win in Serbia. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton also pulled out of that Tuchel squad through injury but has made incredible progress in the 20 months since leaving Blackburn Rovers.”
“Manchester City could look at that position to ease the workload of 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, 29, who has returned from a serious knee injury this season.”
Mainoo Plans to Push for Loan Move
Kobbie Mainoo has grown frustrated with his limited role this season. He is now likely to request a loan deal in January. The 19-year-old tried to leave in the summer, but the club rejected his request. With minutes still hard to come by, he now sees a loan as crucial for his growth.
The Daily Star reports: “Kobbie Mainoo is still prepared to leave hometown club Manchester United – in a bid to keep his World Cup dream alive. And this could see him seal a loan move in the next transfer window, if his fortunes do not improve at Old Trafford.
“Mainoo has become a frustrated figure at United, after struggling to get regular starts under boss Ruben Amorim. The midfielder has seen his career go backwards in the last 12 months.
“Amorim held private talks with Mainoo last week and told him he was still part of his plans, while challenging him to do more to fight for his place in the team.
“While [Thomas] Tuchel has made it clear he will not consider calling Mainoo into his Three Lions squad until he has secured more minutes on the pitch. With this in mind, Mainoo has accepted he will have no choice but to request another loan move elsewhere in January, should he still find himself on the fringes of Amorim’s team.”
Newcastle Set to Offer Guimaraes New Contract
Bruno Guimaraes could soon receive a new deal from Newcastle United after attracting strong interest from Manchester City. Unlike teammate Alexander Isak, who pushed to leave, the Brazilian stayed focused on his performances and future with the club.
The Mirror writes: “Newcastle United rebuffed an approach from Manchester City this summer for Bruno Guimaraes. But the discussion was quickly dismissed and a prolonged transfer saga was prevented.
“The inquiry, understood to have originated from intermediaries within the agent network, emerged in early June during the temporary FIFA transfer window prior to the FIFA Club World Cup. However, Newcastle rejected the interest with Bruno content on Tyneside and willing to discuss future contract talks down the road.
“What was observed internally was that Bruno’s focus remained unwavering, with Isak essentially refusing to play to engineer his departure. The South American has three years remaining, and a fresh contract could be on the horizon for the ambitious former Lyon star.”
Aarons Starts New Chapter at Morecambe
Former Newcastle winger Rolando Aarons has joined Morecambe on a free transfer. Once considered a future Premier League star, Aarons saw injuries stall his career. Now, he hopes to revive it with a fresh start in non-league football.
The Sun reports: “Former Newcastle wonderkid Rolando Aarons has signed for non-league club Morecambe on a free transfer. The winger, now 29, was once tipped for greatness when he came through the ranks at St James’ Park in 2014. But a string of injuries halted his progress as he played just 27 times in nine years for the Magpies.
“After a number of loans, he finally left Newcastle in 2021 for Huddersfield before being loaned to Motherwell. Last year, he had a brief spell with Slovenian side Celje before joining the PFA training squad this pre-season in a bid to maintain his fitness.”
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